What Happened on June 14?

June 14 is Flag Day in the United States — honoring the Stars and Stripes adopted in 1777 — on the same date the Continental Army was established, 'Under God' was added to the Pledge, and German troops entered Paris in 1940.

• 1775 — Continental Congress establishes the Continental Army

  On June 14, 1775, Congress created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington commander — the birth of the United States Army. Read the full story →

• 1777 — Continental Congress adopts the Stars and Stripes as the American flag

  On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress resolved that the U.S. flag should have thirteen stripes and thirteen stars on a blue field — creating the Stars and Stripes. Read the full story →

• 1940 — German troops march into Paris during World War II

  On June 14, 1940, Nazi German forces occupied Paris after France's defeat — a dark day that led French leaders to relocate the government. Read the full story →

• 1954 — Congress adds 'under God' to the Pledge of Allegiance

  On June 14, 1954, Flag Day, President Eisenhower signed a law inserting the words 'under God' into the Pledge of Allegiance. Read the full story →

• 1982 — Argentina surrenders, ending the Falklands War

  British forces accepted Argentine surrender in the Falkland Islands on June 14, 1982, after a ten-week war over the remote South Atlantic territory. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Steffi Graf (1969) · Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896) · Boy George (1961) · Donald Trump (1946)

Days & observances

Flag Day (United States) · World Blood Donor Day · National Pop Goes the Weasel Day · National Strawberry Shortcake Day